May is World Trade Month: Why YOU Should Export and How the Export Assistance Network Can Help

​​By Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA​, Export Assistance Director

This month is World Trade Month in the United States and here at the Export Assistance Network, we want to showcase the importance of exporting and encourage you, our business leaders, just how exciting the world of exports is. Not to mention all of the no-cost exporting assistance that is out there, starting with the Export Assistance Network at The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

​The Export Assistance Network is here to help. According to the Ohio Development Services Agency, more than 95 percent of the world's population and two-thirds of the global purchase power is outside of the U.S., yet less than 1 percent of the 30 million businesses in the U.S. export.

By creating an export plan and following through on your exporting goals, you can diversify your portfolio and weather changes in the domestic economy. Export Assistance Network Director Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA, can provide companies with free, in-depth counseling as well as services including cultural and language assistance, financial assistance, trade missions, identifying local marketing tools, and more.

According to the most recent U.S. Census data, the state of Ohio ranked seventh in the nation in exporting, which translates to around $45 million worth of exports. Exporting is something that most businesses can do, and that includes businesses that provide a service. Whether you’re a service-based company or you have a tangible good, it is possible to export!

Did you know?

• The U.S. love international trade! According to the U.S. Department of State, the United States has 14 trade agreements with a total of 20 countries.
• We're tight with our North American neighbors as well as with China. Imports and exports between the U.S. and China, Mexico and Canada made up almost 50 percent of U.S. trade last year according to the most recent U.S. Census data.
• This is a great year to export – or to start exporting. The World Trade Organization estimates a 7.2 percent improvement in international trade this year!
• Ohio-made products can be found all over the world! In 2020, 209 countries and territories received exports from our great state of Ohio according to the Ohio Development Services Agency.

 
These facts are just a snapshot into the importance and value of exporting. Our resources at the local, state and federal levels are here for you to help you export. Start your exporting journey here at the Export Assistance Network at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Contact Export Director Sabrina D’Onofrio at sabrina.donofrio@toledochamber.com today to begin your exporting endeavor!

Export Success
Want to kickstart your export plan, learn more about how to become an expert exporter or interested in teaching your rising talent how to take over your export operations? Each year, our Export Assistance Network runs Export Success, a program designed to help you learn everything from the international sales process and cross-cultural communications to international marketing and how to develop and execute an export plan.

If you're interested in securing a spot for Export Success 2022, please contact Export Director Sabrina D'Onofrio at sabrina.donofrio@toledochamber.com.

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​Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA​

Sabrina D’Onofrio joined the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Center in 2012. Sabrina is now the Export Assistance Network (EAN) Director and covers 18 counties in Northwest Ohio. ​Sabrina has regular communication with the other 6 Export Assistance Network Directors in the state to discuss questions or gather information.